The Lunar New Year represents more than just a holiday for Chinese workers—it's a profound emotional anchor marking family reunions after a year of toil. As 2023 approaches, cross-border e-commerce professionals eagerly anticipate this cherished homecoming. Yet stark disparities in holiday allowances across the industry have sparked heated debates.
Controversy Erupts Over 1-Day Effective Holiday
Guangzhou-based Banggood Technology, a major cross-border e-commerce player, has drawn fierce criticism for its 2023 holiday schedule. The company's five-day break—from January 21 (Saturday) to January 25 (Wednesday)—translates to just one effective holiday day after accounting for weekend shifts and mandatory makeup workdays.
"With our six-day workweek, holidays already feel scarce. Factoring in travel time, we're left with three actual days off—forcing employees to return before traditional celebrations conclude," lamented one Banggood employee.
Industry professionals expressed bewilderment at the arrangement. "How does this compute? The three statutory holidays plus two weekend days minus two makeup days equals just one real vacation day," questioned an Amazon seller.
This controversy follows a turbulent year for Banggood, including mass layoffs affecting nearly 3,000 employees, benefit reductions, and a controversial six-day workweek policy implemented in 2022. The company has reportedly faced numerous labor arbitration cases, earning it unflattering recognition within the sector.
Startups Offer Generous 23-Day Breaks
In stark contrast, some emerging cross-border e-commerce firms have implemented remarkably generous policies. One Shenzhen-based startup garnered widespread envy by offering a 23-day Lunar New Year break.
Industry forums reveal a broad spectrum of approaches:
- 15-day paid holidays (January 14-29)
- 12-day breaks combining statutory holidays and mandatory annual leave
- 16-day unpaid vacations
- Standard 7-day statutory breaks
"With just seven days off—two spent traveling—there's barely time for proper reunions. Those getting double-digit breaks—are they hiring?" mused one envious seller.
Corporate Culture Under Microscope
The divergent holiday policies reflect fundamental differences in corporate philosophy and financial health. During peak seasons, many cross-border sellers previously worked through holidays while monitoring store performance remotely. However, 2023's slowing sales have prompted some companies to implement extended unpaid leaves—with one firm reportedly offering 45 days off classified as personal leave.
Factory closures have also arrived earlier than usual, with many manufacturing workers returning home by early January. Coupled with slowed year-end logistics, this has left many e-commerce operations with reduced workloads.
Industry analysts note that holiday policies serve as barometers for employee welfare prioritization. While financially strained companies may view extended breaks as unsustainable costs, progressive firms recognize their value in talent retention and productivity enhancement.
As the industry prepares for the holiday, professionals emphasize the importance of balancing operational preparedness with meaningful rest—a challenge that continues to separate industry leaders from laggards in workforce management.